Costume Jewelry shopping at Goodwill: Check the showcase!

Do you shop the
Goodwill showcase? 

When you are going from Goodwill to Goodwill seeking jewelry jars, are you missing some amazing vintage costume jewelry finds?  There could be some awesome pieces lying in the glass showcase!

Typically, I have found that not all stores have an ample showcase, and there seems to be a correlation between jewelry jars and a jewelry showcase. If a store regularly prepares jewelry jars on site, there is not usually very much, if any, jewelry in a showcase. It was used in the jars, with just a few pieces priced individually.

Often, you will see new jewelry with pink tags in the Goodwill showcase that came from Target or some other retail establishment. Usually, these are upwards of $2.00.  And, I will add, they are not always in pristine shape, although NWT.  However, I have found that one particular Goodwill keeps an updated showcase full of donated jewelry.  I had never really looked closely because I was always stomping around mad because there was no jewelry jar!  LOL!

I started asking to see some of the jewelry in the showcase and the glass wall display behind the counter. While initially I felt like I was imposing on the employees, soon I realized they really didn't mind. Their prices were quoted in an off-hand manner, and few items were tagged. The prices were very reasonable. I was soon finding Napier, Monet and more at a price much lower than a typical jar price. Of course, you dont get that jewelry jar rush, but it is still fun.

One item I have figured out is easily found in cases at an even lower price is a brooch.  They assume nobody wears them, so they price them very low.

Don't forget to check the showcases every time you thrift for purses, too. I have found my best things in the case, and often they are half price, too.

Happy hunting!